The 2027 MLB Draft is already shaping up as a showcase for elite pitching talent, with three college arms emerging as the most talked‑about names among scouts and analysts.
Valincius’s sophomore surge
Tomas Valincius, a left‑hander who moved from the Virginia Cavaliers to the Mississippi State Bulldogs in 2026, posted a 3.50 ERA and struck out 134 batters over 97 2/3 innings. His combination of command and raw stuff has placed him firmly in the conversation for the third overall pick, with the Colorado Rockies widely expected to target him.
Whitney’s comeback story
Right‑hander Dax Whitney of the Oregon State Beavers underwent Tommy John surgery in 2026, yet he still managed a 2.00 ERA and 104 strikeouts in just 63 innings. The Angels have indicated a strong interest, projecting him as the fifth overall selection despite the injury history.
Levonas’s breakout year
Chris Levonas of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons burst onto the scene with a 3.11 ERA and 57 strikeouts across 37 2/3 innings, earning D1 Baseball third‑team All‑American and first‑team All‑ACC honors. Scouts now see him as a potential seventh‑overall pick for the Cincinnati Reds, underscoring the depth of talent in this class.
The common thread among these pitchers is a blend of durability, high strike‑out rates and the ability to perform under pressure. As teams finalize their draft boards, the decisions of Valincius, Whitney and Levonas could reshape the early landscape of the 2027 MLB Draft.