
LSU Stars Shine in MLB Draft’s Second Day
Day two of the MLB Draft saw several LSU standouts selected, highlighting the Tigers' deep talent pool.
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Day two of the MLB Draft saw several LSU standouts selected, highlighting the Tigers' deep talent pool.

North Carolina’s baseball program cemented its reputation as a draft factory, with Jake Schaffner heading a group of four players selected in the first two days of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Despite illness, arm fatigue and the recent loss of his mother, Tyler Bremner has earned a $7.7 million signing bonus and a spot in the MLB All‑Star Futures Game, while the Angels passed on higher‑ranked prospects such as Kade Anderson and Seth Hernandez.

Maddox Molony's strong collegiate performance and the Ducks' 43‑18 season have put his next move under the spotlight, as he decides between signing with the Tigers or completing his final year of eligibility at Oregon.

On July 12, 2026, rookie catcher Henry Davis hit a two‑run home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers, a moment marked by manager Don Kelly’s greeting and the presence of right‑hander Robert Gasser on the bench.

LSU’s star outfielder Derek Curiel was chosen fifth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB draft, concluding a two‑year stint that produced a championship ring, freshman‑of‑the‑year honors and a string of record‑setting performances.

Alabama’s standout backstop, Brady Neal, was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft after a breakout season that helped the Crimson Tide return to the College World Series.

The 2026 MLB Draft saw left‑hander Zane Adams selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles, capping a college career that included a pivotal role in Alabama's first College World Series appearance since 1999.
The 2026 MLB Draft in Philadelphia highlighted Alabama’s pitching duo, with Fay going to Pittsburgh and Adams to Baltimore, while Myles Upchurch prepares to lead the Crimson Tide staff forward.

Nolan Higgins, a standout pitcher from Wixom, Michigan, was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays after a collegiate career that included key performances in the Big Ten Tournament and multiple academic honors.

The 2026 MLB Draft opened with 615 prospects, highlighting the strategic choices faced by high school and college players, while Oregon Ducks confront key departures and prepare for future drafts.

The Brewers, the league’s best‑record team, host the Pirates in a Peacock‑exclusive game that could decide momentum heading into the mid‑season break, featuring a showdown between rising ace Paul Skenes and Brewers left‑hander Robert Gasser.

Derek Curiel, the LSU standout known for his adaptability and bat, was chosen fifth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking the fourth consecutive top‑five pick for the program.

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.

A look at the most impactful players available on the waiver wire, from power‑hitting breakouts to pitchers whose recent stats suggest a strong upside for fantasy managers.

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.

Three LSU players were drafted on the opening day, highlighting the program's sustained excellence and future prospects.

Cam Walty’s ascent to Triple-A, Jackson Kent’s solid outing, Clark Candiotti’s reassignment, and Jared Oliva’s latest designation illustrate the dynamic careers of Arizona‑born players navigating the minor leagues.

The first day of the 2026 MLB Draft saw Derek Curiel, Jake Brown and Deven Sheerin selected, while Coleton Brady chose to remain at LSU.

On the opening day of the 2026 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox selected North Carolina shortstop Jake Schaffner with the 20th overall pick, marking the highest draft position for a UNC player since 2017 and the third straight year the program has placed a first‑rounder. Joining him were three other Tar Heels drafted within the first 100 selections, underscoring a historic haul for the university.
UNC sophomore right‑hander Ryan Lynch was selected 97th overall by the San Diego Padres, capping a college career marked by innings pitched, strikeouts and a shutout in the NCAA Tournament.
Ryan Lynch, a sophomore right‑hander from UNC, was selected 97th overall in the 2026 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, capping a season that saw him post a 4.21 ERA and 89 strikeouts.
Jason DeCaro, a junior right‑hander from the University of North Carolina, was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 80th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, wrapping up a three‑year stint that included an 11‑3 record, a 2.87 ERA and a projected slot value of $1.03 million.

The 2026 MLB Draft saw several Alabama-linked players chosen early, highlighting the state’s growing influence on the sport.