The 2026 MLB Draft Class: A Deep Dive into Scouting Grades
The scouting departments of MLB clubs are buzzing with excitement as they grade the 2026 draft class, and for good reason. This year's crop of amateur talent is shaping up to be one of the most impressive in recent memory, with a strong overall talent pool and a deep depth chart across various positions.
But what exactly are the scouting directors saying? Let's dive into the grades and explore the key categories that make this draft class stand out.
Overall Talent: A Clear Cut Winner
The 2026 draft class received the highest average grade (58) for overall talent in the six years of this exercise. Every team surveyed viewed the class as above average, with most considering it a 'plus' talent pool. One team even gave it a 70-grade evaluation, a testament to the sheer quality of this year's players.
Impact Talent: Headlining the Class
While the impact talent category saw some split opinions, with a wider range of grades (30-60), only two clubs deemed it below average. Roch Cholowsky is a standout name, but the overall impact of the class is still highly regarded. The majority of clubs gave solid or plus grades, indicating a strong potential for immediate impact at the professional level.
Depth: A Well-Rounded Class
Depth has consistently been a strong suit of the draft classes, and 2026 is no exception. With an average grade of 59, this class boasts a well-rounded talent pool across various positions. It joins the 2021 and 2023 classes as the third to achieve this high average, further solidifying its reputation as a deep and talented group.
College Pitching: Average, But Room for Improvement
College pitching received an average grade of 49, with a range of 40-60. While it's considered average, six clubs viewed it as below average. The group is led by right-handers Cameron Flukey, Jackson Flora, and Liam Peterson, but there's a perceived lack of left-handed college pitching talent, which could be an area of focus for teams.
College Hitting: A Strong Point
College hitting shines with an average grade of 56, narrowly surpassing the 2023 and 2022 classes. The 2026 group features exciting up-the-middle profiles like Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress, and LSU outfielder Derek Curiel. This strong showing in college hitting typically indicates a strong overall class.
High School Pitching: A Historic Pitching Class
High school pitching is where the 2026 class truly excels, with an average grade of 61. This class is being hailed as one of the best prep pitching groups ever, with five pitchers currently ranked in the first round. Left-handers Carson Bolemon, Gio Rojas, and Logan Schmidt, along with right-handers Coleman Borthwick and Jensen Hirschkorn, are generating significant buzz.
High School Hitting: Solid, But With Room for Improvement
The high school hitting group received an average grade of 52, with 15 clubs viewing it as solid or plus. While it's a strong showing, three teams deemed it below average. Shortstop Grady Emerson, shortstop Jacob Lombard, outfielders Eric Booth Jr., and Blake Bowen all boast impressive tools and upside, but the class doesn't have the same depth of shortstops as the 2025 class.
The Bottom Line
When all the grades are averaged and rounded, the 2026 class emerges as a top-tier talent pool. With a rounded overall grade of 60 (plus), above-average impact (55), and strong grades in depth, college hitting, and high school pitching, this draft class is poised to make an impact at the professional level. While spring training can bring changes, the 2026 class currently looks like a well-rounded and impactful group with minimal weaknesses.
