My mlb mock draft

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 6, 2026 9:15 PM EST

My over zealous and highly anxious self sat down this last week a little bit each day and compiled this way too early projection of this June's mlb amatuer draft. With a pretty decent ratio of High schoolers to college guys with the younger kids winning out 17 - 14 in round 1. I really like The high school arms this year lead by Walker Weickel and of couse Gioloto. Fried , Smoral and McCullers are probably my next 3 with big senior seasons ahead. I also really like Luke Sims, with upside and big fastballs due next .

Of course, as we all saw last year the draft is a crapshoot for almost all of us, in reality we all thought C Andrew Susac was a lock for the 1st round or early supple. Rd he wasn't. We all sat dazed and confused with what the Rays did with many of their early picks, some of us felt disgusted at the collegiate talent the Red Sox and Tigers picked up in the later rounds that was often times unexpected. + you throw in the 'new' CBA arrangement and...? we'll see what happens, even more chaos and uncertainties? But that is the beauty of it all.

2012 Round 1 (mock draft February, 4 months prior)

-Have to say I see Gioloto and Appel as the main cases to be #1 overall right now, maybe Zunino gets there, maybe Buxton, maybe even Stryker Trahan with a big senior year in the warm weather H.S. louisana season.

1. Astros (56-106) – Mark Appel (SP) stanford

2. Twins (63-99) - Byron Buxton (H.S. OF)

3. Mariners (67-95) – Lucas Gioloto (H.S. SP)

4. Orioles (69-93) - Michael Wacha (SP) texas a&m

5. Royals (71-91) - Walker Weickel (H.S. SP)

6. Cubs (71-91) – Mike Zunino (C ) florida
7. Padres (71-91) – Lance McCullers (H.S. SP)
8. Pirates (72-90) - Stryker Trahan (H.S. C )
9. Marlins (72-90) – Chris Beck (SP) georgia southern
10. Rockies (73-89) – Kevin Gausman (SP) Lsu
11. Athletics (74-88) – Kyle Zimmer (SP) san fran.
12. Mets (77-85) - Max Fried (H.S. LHP)
13. White Sox (79-83) – Deven Marrero (SS) Asu
14. Reds (79-83) – Gavin Cecchini (H.S. SS)
15. Indians (80-82) – Victor Roache (OF) georgia southern
16. Nationals (80-81) – Carlos Correa (H.S. SS)
17. Blue Jays (81-81) – Luke Sims (H.S. SP)
18. Dodgers (82-79) - Joey Gallo (H.S. 1B/ SP)
19. Cardinals (from LAA/Pujols) – Matt Smoral (H.S. LHP)
20. Giants (86-76) – Brian Johnson (LHP/1B) florida
21. Braves (89-73) – Albert Almora (H.S. OF)
22. Blue Jays (for Beede) – Nick Williams (H.S. OF) –some see him as sure top 10, I’m not there yet.
23. Cardinals (90-72) – Marcus Stroman (SP) duke - his lack of size could knock him out of 1st rd.
24. Red Sox (90-72) – David Dahl (OF) alamaba br.
25. Rays (91-71) – Trey Williams (H.S. 3B)
26. Diamondbacks (94-68) – Jake Barrett (SP) Asu
27. Brewers (from Det/Fielder) – Addison Russell (H.S. Fla. SS)
28. Brewers (96-66) – Courtney Hawkins (H.S. Tex. OF)
29. Rangers (96-66) – Kyle Hansen (SP) st. johns
30. Yankees (97-65) – Travis Jankowski (OF) stony brook
31. Red Sox (from Phi/Papelbon) – Stephen Piscotty (3B) stanford

Supple. Rd.

32. Minnesota Twins; comp. Pick loss of Michael Cuddyer (Rockies) – Sam Stafford, LHP texas

33. San Diego Padres; compensation pick for loss of Heath Bell (Marlins) – Josh Elander, C tcu

34. Oakland Athletics; compensation pick for loss of Josh Willingham (Twins) – Kenny Diekgroeger, SS stanford

35. New York Mets; compensation pick for loss of Jose Reyes (Marlins) – J.T. Chargois, SP rice

36. St. Louis Cardinals; compensation pick for loss of Albert Pujols (Angels) – Richie Shaffer, 1B clemson

37. Boston Red Sox; compensation pick for loss of Jonathan Papelbon (Phillies) – Mitchell Traver, H.S. SP (big man)

38. Milwaukee Brewers; compensation pick for loss of Prince Fielder (Tigers) – Branden Kline, RP/SP virginia

39. Texas Rangers; compensation pick for loss of CJ Wilson (Angels) – Taylore Cherry, H.S. SP

40. Philadelphia Phillies; compensation pick for loss of Ryan Madson (Reds) – Hunter Varant, H.S. LHP

41. Beginning of Supplemental Type B's: Houston Astros; compensation pick for loss of Type B Free Agent Clint Barmes (Pirates) – Tyler Naquin, OF texas a&m

42. Minnesota Twins; compensation pick for loss of Jason Kubel (Diamondbacks) – Daniel Starwalt , H.S. SP

43. Chicago Cubs; compensation pick for loss of Aramis Ramirez (Brewers) – Andrew Heaney, LHP oklahoma st.

44. San Diego Padres; compensation pick for loss of Aaron Harang (Dodgers) – R.J. Alvarez, SP flordia atl.

45. Pittsburgh Pirates; compensation pick for loss of Ryan Doumit (Twins) – Freddy Avis , H.S. SP

46. Colorado Rockies; compensation pick for loss of Mark Ellis (Dodgers) – Cody Poteet , H.S. SP

47. Oakland Athletics; compensation pick for loss of David DeJesus (Cubs) – Rio Ruiz , H.S. 3B

48. Chicago White Sox; compensation pick for loss of Mark Buehrle (Marlins) – Josh Conway, SP coastal carolina

49. Cincinnati Reds; compensation pick for loss of Francisco Cordero (Blue Jays) – A.B. Walker , 1B/ OF jacksonville u.

50. Toronto Blue Jays; compensation pick for loss of Frank Francisco (Mets) – Duane Underwood , H.S. SP

51. Los Angeles Dodgers; compensation pick for loss of Rod Barajas (Pirates) – Nolan Sanburn, SP arkansas

52. St. Louis Cardinals; compensation pick for loss of Edwin Jackson (Nationals) – CJ Hinojosa, H.S. SS

53. Texas Rangers; compensation pick for loss of Darren Oliver (Blue Jays) – Nathan Kirby, H.S. LHP

54.*** Philadelphia Phillies; compensation pick for loss of Type B Raul Ibanez (TBD) – Pat Light , SP/RP (big pat) monmouth

55. Chicago Cubs; compensation pick for loss of Carlos Pena (Rays) – Nick Travieso, H.S. 3B (Trav-ase-o)

56.*** Pittsburgh Pirates; compensation pick for loss of Derrek Lee (TBD) – Carson Kelly , H.S. SP

57. Cincinnati Reds; compensation pick for loss of Ramon Hernandez (Rockies) – Matt Koch , SP louisville

58. Toronto Blue Jays; compensation pick for loss of Jon Rauch (Mets) – Brett Mooneyham, LHP stanford

59. St. Louis Cardinals; compensation pick for loss of Octavio Dotel (Tigers) – Corey Seagar, H.S. SS/3B

60.Toronto Blue Jays; compensation pick for loss of Jose Molina – Nolen Fontana , SS florida

RD 2 -------> maybe next month

Favorite second rounders: eight of them

Lewis Brinson, OF (H.S., fla) - Zach Eflin, SP (H.S., fla) – Rhett Wiseman, OF (H.S., mass) – Austin Dean, 3B (H.S., tex) – Stephen Johnson , SP (H.S., tex) - Jesmuel Valentine, SS (Puerto Rico academy) – Ty Hensley, SP (H.S., Okla.) - Hudson Randall, SP (university of flordia)

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Comments

Interesting

Although the formatting is a bit wacky. :)

Yankees - I don’t expect them to go with Jankowski, they tend to aim for HS bats or college arms in the first two rounds over the last four years or so (minus missing out on Cole).

Hinojosa - I think he will have to go top 15 to sign, or he will go to school,probably a JuCo. This far down is definitely possible, but the team would have to know, given cap limits, they won’t sign him.

by cookiedabookie on Feb 6, 2026 9:52 PM EST reply actions

Hinojosa

Was thinking the same thing. No way he’ll sign for 52nd slot.

by charles wallace on Feb 7, 2026 12:57 PM EST up reply actions

It's a good mock

Although I don’t think Wacha is a top 5 talent, as he’s more of a bottom or mid-rotation starter. Also, Kline is a relief pitcher, I believe. I think he’s more of a 2nd round talent.

But it’s nice to see another mock after weeks on end without seeing one.

Go ahead, make my day.

by ilikeburritos on Feb 6, 2026 10:14 PM EST reply actions

Have to say I'd disagree on Kline, I"m open to the idea he's a starter, unless you know for certain otherwise

His stuff would undoubtedly play very well in the rotation, and he’s shown plenty of command.

Unless he just really isn’t starting material, fitness wise/ mentality / always a power arm reliever in High school.
I guess i just don’t know enough about him, but to me he’d be a great draft and development guy for a rotation.

Well he did get the honor of nations top relief pitcher last year i see, So maybe you have a point, but even if you draft the guy as a closer in mind, its still a worthwile pick in the sandwhich round for many.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 7, 2026 3:10 AM EST up reply actions

Kline reminds me a lot of another former first round pick Carlos Gutierrez who seems a similar pitcher

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 8, 2026 5:34 AM EST up reply actions

I hope to start seeing Giolito #1 soon

I would love nothing else but for him to establish himself as the top prospect in this class… I’m really souring on the thought of getting stuck with Appel the more I hear about Giolito, Buxton, Zunino and Trahan.

by kyuss94 on Feb 7, 2026 12:42 AM EST reply actions

I see him as 1st overall.

and the people I’ve talked to in the industry do as well.

www.bullpenbanter.com
twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Feb 7, 2026 12:55 AM EST up reply actions

That's good to hear

I can’t see why Appel would be taken over him unless he absolutely dazzles this season.

by kyuss94 on Feb 7, 2026 9:21 AM EST up reply actions

While I'd take Gio, its not like Appel is some schlub

He’s got a great chance to be a front of the rotation type himself (if not quite on Gio’s level) and he’ll be ready soon.

www.bullpenbanter.com
twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Feb 7, 2026 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

I agree that Giolito is the #1 talent

But I highly doubt he goes 1-1. MLB teams rarely go HS pitcher 1-1 due to the amount of risk involved with the pick. I think that’s a big reason why Bundy did not go 1-1 this past year.

by guru4u on Feb 7, 2026 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

A large part of Bundy going 4th was a really strong college class.

Gio really stands out. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Jeff Luhnow go bold. With the new rules its not like Gio is going to hold out for a bigger payday than he’d be getting at 1:1.

www.bullpenbanter.com
twitter: @alskor

by alskor on Feb 7, 2026 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

Eaxctly

You have to wonder where Bundy goes if he’s in this class. Going 4th in last year’s class, with so much college talent, is pretty amazing.

by charles wallace on Feb 7, 2026 5:22 PM EST up reply actions

very true Bundy would be #1 this year for me. likely.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 7, 2026 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

Also keep in mind

The Astros could easily have the first overall pick in next year’s draft too (I’ll be shocked if they’re not top 5, at least). So Luhnow will have another chance to take a safe, quick to the majors pick then if he wants.

Kind of makes sense to take the upside pick first and the quick to the majors pick after.

http://www.crawfishboxes.com

by OremLK on Feb 8, 2026 6:51 AM EST up reply actions

yeah i can definately see this as well, almost went with Gio #1 and Appel #2 or 3

I think one of those 2 should establish themselves as #1 if Buxton or an interesting highschooler does not.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 7, 2026 2:59 AM EST up reply actions

Cardinal's Fan view

The Cardinals are really thin at OF’s, especially CF’s from 20-22 years old- I really think they need to grad the best College OF on the board at 23 or try get lucky at 36 and see what’s still available, but it would be to hard for me to pass on Dahl at 23.

i just don’t like- Richie Shaffer at 34, especially with the emergence of Matt Adams. However, I love the both: CJ Hinojosa & Corey Seagar at picks 52 and 58/59.

Anyways, i really enjoyed your opinion.

by Joe Schroeder on Feb 7, 2026 12:53 AM EST reply actions

well i believe Shaffer is a 1B/OF type of guy right now, i don't think 3B is at all a possiblity with him.

But i agree, unless Garcia, Tavares, and John Jay all really impress by late May, OF is something they should defeinately want in the early round(s)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 7, 2026 3:01 AM EST up reply actions

Well, outfield may soon not be as thin as you think.

Keep a look out for Tilson, McElroy, and Lance Jefferies (my personal sleeper, has big time pop, from stl, and could be a late round steal). What they do need are power hitters of the college variety in the outfield, but more than that, up the middle bats (mainly shortstop and catcher). Crossing my fingers Trahan or Ceechini get to pick 19. If one of them does, I guarantee the Cards grab that him.

by johnorpheus on Feb 7, 2026 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

*him

by johnorpheus on Feb 7, 2026 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

Waves of talent

That wave may change my opinion, but the wave/talent ahead of them at CF position is still pretty thin, IMO. I live in St. Louis metro area, so I saw and read about, Lance Jefferies pretty regular. I’ll be watching the adjustment to the slider from him, but has all five tools to be excited about. I’ve have learned never to guarantee a 1st round selection from this Cardinals FO.

I personally want- Carlos Correa and would be willing to go over slot (2.5-3 Million) to get him and then adjust later to stay under the (little over 9 million dollar budget) that MLB has attached to their first ten rounds allowance.

by Joe Schroeder on Feb 7, 2026 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

Cards CF prospects

I personally don’t think, Anthony Garcia and Taveras are CF’s after high A level. Jon Jay, Adron Chambers, Tommy Pham ( Would be solid, if he could just stay healthy) and Erik Komatsu (Rule 5)- so leaves me with them really needing to add a true CF prospect from this draft.

Perfect 1st round for me: 19- Carlos Correa and 23- Travis Jankowski

by Joe Schroeder on Feb 7, 2026 10:03 PM EST up reply actions

woohoo! another mock draft finally

i like the zimmer choice, a college power pitcher with 3 plus pitches. i don’t think he’d make it to the sup. round, but i certainly hope he does so the a’s could pick (possibly) victor roache/chris beck with their first pick, and him or jake barrett or travis jankowski with their second one.

Snoochies

by guessatomo on Feb 7, 2026 1:25 AM EST reply actions

thanks

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 7, 2026 3:17 AM EST up reply actions

If Nick Williams is available

the Braves will be picking him. Switch him and Almora.

by JoelGuzman'sScout on Feb 7, 2026 4:54 AM EST reply actions

I don’t know. Williams sounds like a more athletic Cody Johnson.

by Jay212033 on Feb 7, 2026 4:08 PM EST up reply actions

Good

mock, although I’d shoot myself if the Pirates pick Trahan. Not that it’s even a bad idea from a mock standpoint, I just would hate it.

Again, good stuff.

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by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Feb 7, 2026 12:57 PM EST reply actions

Padres are desperate for SS and need TOR starters.

I think they’ll take someone like Correa, Checcini, or Marrero with #7 and take the best pitcher left with the 33rd. Although, I could see them taking a pitcher at #7 if Wacha, Gausman or Zunino are still on the board.

"When you find your way. Then you see it disappear."

by padmadfan on Feb 7, 2026 4:29 PM EST reply actions

good thoughts ...fair enough I hope for their sake unless they really like a Beck or Gausman at 7 they do take Cecchini or Correa or Marrero at #7

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 7, 2026 7:59 PM EST up reply actions

Giants Fan View

I would love for Brian Johnson to fall. They seem to love them college players/pitchers. Why not a legit 2-way player?

I could see the Giants going HS pitcher, those HS OFs would be a stretch. I think Piscotty is going to be their safety proven college bat pick like Panik last year if the arms they want are gone.

I like your 8 2nd round guys. Don’t think they’ll last deep into it though, too bad for the Gints.

by shankbone on Feb 7, 2026 11:14 PM EST reply actions