The 2026 MLB Draft is over, and the real fun begins: analyzing the picks and identifying the biggest steals. While some teams may have hit the jackpot with their top picks, others found hidden gems in the later rounds. Let's dive into the top steals from each of the first 10 rounds, as highlighted by Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo on the Pipeline Podcast.
Round 1: Gio Rojas, LHP, Rangers
The Rangers made a bold move by selecting Gio Rojas at No. 16 overall. Mayo points out that the Rangers typically avoid high school pitching in the first round, making this pick even more intriguing. Rojas is considered the best high school arm in the class and one of the top pitchers overall. His selection at this stage is a testament to his exceptional talent and potential. Personally, I think the Rangers may have found the next ace in the rotation, and this pick could pay dividends for years to come.
Compensation Round: Hunter Dietz, LHP, Yankees
The Yankees' selection of Hunter Dietz at No. 35 is a surprising one, given his limited track record. Dietz had a stress fracture in his elbow and missed significant time, but he made a strong comeback in the fall. Callis is amazed by the Yankees' acquisition, suggesting that Dietz could be a hidden gem. In my opinion, the Yankees may have found a left-handed starter with premium raw stuff, and his recovery from injury makes this pick even more intriguing.
Round 2: Rocco Maniscalco, SS, Cardinals
The Cardinals' selection of Rocco Maniscalco at No. 50 is a steal, according to Mayo. Maniscalco is a super young player who reclassified and is an impressive defender at shortstop. His performance at the Draft Combine further cements his talent. From my perspective, the Cardinals may have secured a first-round talent in the second round, and his defensive skills could be a game-changer for the team.
Round 3: Gavin Grahovac, 3B, Angels
Gavin Grahovac, a part of A&M's College World Series team, is a power-hitting third baseman. Grahovac hit 23 homers as a freshman but suffered a shoulder injury, missing most of the previous season. His comeback this year was impressive, with 22 homers. Callis highlights his bat speed and raw power, making him an exciting prospect. What many people don't realize is that Grahovac's power and speed could make him a valuable asset for the Angels, and his injury history may be a concern for some teams.
Round 4: Will Brick, C, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays' selection of Will Brick at No. 131 is a notable one, as they didn't have a second-round pick. Brick is the best high school catcher in the class, with power and a strong defensive presence. Mayo points out that Brick's talent makes up for the Blue Jays' lack of a second-round pick. In my opinion, the Blue Jays may have found a long-term solution behind the plate, and his defensive skills could be a game-changer for the team.
Round 5: Will Gasparino, OF, Phillies
Will Gasparino, a 6-foot-6, athletic outfielder, is an exciting prospect. He possesses huge raw power and has improved his contact rate. Callis suggests that Gasparino has All-Star-type tools if he makes enough contact. From my perspective, the Phillies may have found a long-term solution in the outfield, and his size and athleticism could be a unique combination for the team.
Round 6: Kyle Johnson, LHP, Rays
Kyle Johnson, a two-way player from Virginia, is a super athletic left-hander with premium raw stuff. Despite struggling performance-wise at Virginia, his athleticism and left-handedness make him an attractive prospect. Mayo suggests that Johnson could end up in the bullpen or as a starter, and his potential is worth exploring. In my opinion, the Rays may have found a hidden gem in the sixth round, and his versatility could be a valuable asset for the team.
Round 7: Savion Sims, RHP, Guardians
Savion Sims is a 6-foot-8, 215-pound pitcher who throws 100 mph with ease. Callis describes him as an amazing arm with incredible potential. Sims' ability to throw without effort and his projected velocity of 104 mph make him a dream prospect. Personally, I think the Guardians may have found the next ace in the rotation, and his potential is truly fascinating.
Round 8: Will Plunkett, SS, Orioles
Will Plunkett is a six-foot-three right-handed hitter with hit-over-power potential. While his strength hasn't shown up in games yet, he has the potential to be a strong shortstop. Mayo highlights his good actions and athleticism, suggesting that Plunkett could be a solid defensive player. In my opinion, the Orioles may have found a solid defensive shortstop with potential power, and his development could be an exciting prospect for the team.
Round 9: Martin Shelar, OF, Red Sox
Martin Shelar is a high school power-hitting outfielder with well-above-average raw power. He's already 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, and his bat speed and strength are impressive. Callis points out that Shelar hit 19 homers in 33 games and hit a ball 470 feet at the Combine. From my perspective, the Red Sox may have found a power-hitting outfielder with a bright future, and his potential is truly intriguing.
Round 10: Nick Bonn, RHP, Cardinals
Nick Bonn is an interesting relief arm with a real fastball and a good splitter and sweeper. He led D1 pitchers with 17 saves and has the potential to be a valuable bullpen arm. Mayo is curious to see what happens with Bonn and whether he'll spend time in the big league bullpen. In my opinion, the Cardinals may have found a hidden gem in the 10th round, and his potential as a reliever could be a game-changer for the team.
A Broader Perspective
The 2026 MLB Draft has provided some exciting steals and hidden gems. From high school arms to power-hitting outfielders, these picks showcase the depth of talent available in the draft. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for teams to find long-term solutions and build a strong foundation for the future. If you take a step back and think about it, the draft is a window into the future of the sport, and these steals could shape the landscape of MLB for years to come.
