MLB DRAFT: Top 10 prep infielders
Grady Emerson, Fort Worth Christian (North Richland Hills, Texas), SS
Emerson
may not be the flashiest prospect in the draft but he possesses one of
the most complete skill sets. While many mock drafts have UCLA’s Roch
Cholowsky projected as the No. 1 overall pick, Emerson has climbed to
the top spot in several recent evaluations. His bat-to-ball skills are
his biggest strength and scouts believe there is more power in his swing
than his high school numbers suggest. He is a legitimate candidate to
go No. 1 overall and is unlikely to fall beyond the second pick.
Jacob Lombard, Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fla.), SS
After
last year’s run on prep shortstops, another strong class is expected in
2026. Lombard projects as the second high school shortstop selected
thanks to his speed, hitting ability and developing power. Although his
arm grades as his weakest tool, scouts don’t believe it will prevent him
from remaining at shortstop. He is a likely top 10 pick.
Bo Lowrance, Christ Church Episcopal (Greenville, S.C.), 3B
At
6-foot-5, Lowrance has developed into one of the premier power hitters
in the Class of 2026. He batted .435 with 12 home runs and has
consistently produced against elite summer competition. A high school
shortstop, Lowrance has the arm strength to move to third base, though
first base could ultimately be his long-term home. He projects as a late
first-round selection.
After
reclassifying from the Class of 2027, Maniscalco emerged as one of the
draft’s top defensive shortstops, rivaling Aiden Ruiz in the field while
perhaps possessing the stronger arm. He is an average hitter with some
power and average speed, but his youth — he is still just 17 — adds to his
long-term appeal. He projects as a second-round pick.
Marchand
combines a polished bat with above-average power and one of the
strongest arms in the draft. His reliable hands should allow him to
remain on the infield, though average speed could eventually push him
from shortstop to second or third base. The two-time MaxPreps South
Carolina Player of the Year is projected as a second-round pick.
Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights (Senatobia, Miss.), 3B
One
of the top hitters in the class, Prosek pairs consistent contact with
impressive power. He hit 18 home runs and led the nation with 79 RBI
this season. While speed is his weakest tool, he has the arm strength to
stay at third base. He projects as a supplemental-round pick.
Ruiz
is regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the draft and
boasts one of the strongest infield arms in the class. While he isn’t
expected to develop much power, he consistently puts the ball in play.
Teams that prioritize defense could make him a late first-round pick,
though early in the second round appears more likely.
Spangler
entered the season as California’s top-ranked prospect but did not play
as a senior because of an undisclosed injury, according to the Mercury
News. At 6-3, he has uncommon size for a shortstop, along with a
strong arm, dependable glove and developing power. His speed is
considered average but his offensive instincts continue to impress
scouts. He could sneak into the first round but is more likely to be
selected in the second.
Landon Thome, Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, Ill.), 2B/3B
The
son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome, Landon is one of the best pure hitters
in the high school class and has also shown above-average power.
Although his speed continues to improve, he is expected to move off
shortstop and settle at either second or third base as a professional.
He projects as a supplemental- or early second-round selection.
