
Eight Gophers Drafted on Day Two of 2026 MLB Draft
A look at the eight University of Minnesota baseball players selected on the second day of the 2026 MLB Draft, their teams, and the program’s ongoing legacy of producing major‑league talent.
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A look at the eight University of Minnesota baseball players selected on the second day of the 2026 MLB Draft, their teams, and the program’s ongoing legacy of producing major‑league talent.

On the last day of the 2026 MLB Draft, the University of Georgia celebrated a record‑breaking haul of 13 picks, highlighted by standout performances from pitchers and position players alike.

On the last day of the 2026 MLB Draft, Arkansas announced that 12 of its players were selected, surpassing the school’s previous high and reinforcing its reputation as a top talent producer.

The 2026 MLB Draft in Philadelphia showcased the rise of West Virginia University players, from Montesa’s 72nd‑overall pick to Casteel’s high school dominance, highlighting both achievement and the looming decision on collegiate eligibility.

Junior right‑hander Sam George was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a three‑year collegiate career that includes a 7‑3 record, 3.53 ERA and 63 strikeouts.
The 2026 MLB Draft saw six Tennessee players drafted, highlighted by first‑round pitcher Tegan Kuhns and late‑round picks Jake McCoy and Andrew Duncan, while prospects such as Henry Ford and Bo Rhuby signed with major‑league clubs.

The 2026 MLB Draft saw five Tennessee prospects selected, alongside two high school signees, while several other recruits opted for college.

A look at the most promising starting pitchers available on the waiver wire for Week 16, highlighting breakout performances and strategic advice for both shallow and deep league formats.

Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.
The ABS challenge system has added drama and strategic depth to baseball, prompting teams to adjust their approaches and sparking mixed reactions among players and managers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted outfielder Brayden Dowd with the 88th overall pick, capping a collegiate career that blended power, speed and on‑base skill.

Three Arkansas standouts — pitcher Hunter Dietz, pitcher Carson Wiggins and catcher Ryder Helfrick — were chosen in the opening round, drawing praise for their talent and potential.

With Ryder Helfrick, Hunter Dietz and Carson Wiggins projected as first‑round picks, Arkansas baseball continues its pipeline of talent, while the draft’s broadcast partners announce where fans can follow the action

The 2026 MLB Draft opened Saturday with the Chicago White Sox holding the first pick, while Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian and Texas commit Grady Emerson were among the top selections, highlighting the Lone Star State's strong pipeline of talent.

With the first four rounds of the MLB Draft set to begin Saturday at noon Central, LSU’s Derek Curiel is projected as a top‑15 pick, drawing attention from leading analysts and major league clubs.
Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick was chosen 15th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks, capping a collegiate career marked by elite defense and a projected $5.24 million slot value.

The draft begins at noon CT, featuring the White Sox, Rays and Twins at the top, while penalties and incentive picks add intrigue to the upcoming rounds.

The 2026 MLB Draft will begin at noon CT on Saturday, with Curiel expected to be chosen in the first round by either the Nationals or the Diamondbacks.

A look at the most compelling under‑40% rostered players available on the waiver wire for July 13‑19, blending power, speed and pitching dominance.
UCF outfielder Andrew Williamson, ranked among the top prospects for this year's MLB draft, blends family legacy with standout performance to potentially become the first UCF player selected in the first round since 2004.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ two‑way sensation Shohei Ohtani will not take the mound against Arizona this weekend, will miss the upcoming All‑Star Game and undergo knee treatment as the club looks to preserve his health for the season’s second half.

With the MLB Draft approaching, Kansas University’s baseball program is poised to see multiple players selected, highlighted by shortstop Tyson LeBlanc’s record‑setting season and the emergence of pitchers and position players poised for professional opportunities.

With Tyson LeBlanc projected as a top‑100 talent and a trio of pitchers and outfielders close behind, the Kansas baseball program is set to make a splash in the draft. Coach Dan Fitzgerald’s endorsement adds weight to the buzz.
High school standouts Drew Gonzalez, Armani Raygoza and Diego Cardenas are among the El Paso natives expected to be selected when the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft opens in Philadelphia.