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Two Michigan State alumni, pitcher Nolan Higgins and outfielder Nick Williams, were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, continuing a streak of Spartans drafted in each of the past four years.
Oklahoma State University celebrated a productive Day 2 of the 2026 MLB Draft as four of its baseball standouts heard their names called, each signing professional contracts while one elects to remain in college for another year.
Science communicator Bill Nye presented custom All‑Star jerseys to Washington Nationals prospects James Wood, CJ Abrams and Foster Griffin before their matchup against the New York Yankees.
Jaxon Willits, a standout shortstop from the University of Oklahoma, was chosen by the Los Angeles Angels with the 141st overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The selection follows his MVP showing in the College World Series and a family legacy in the sport.
Jaxon Willits was selected 141st overall in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, capping a college career that included a College World Series MVP and a national championship.
Jaxon Willits, celebrated for his College World Series heroics, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, continuing a family tradition in professional baseball.
As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, Texas Longhorns weigh professional contracts against college eligibility, with high‑round bonuses shaping decisions and the coaching staff plotting a return to contention.
The Washington Nationals selected Appalachian State pitcher Gage Peterson in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a season that saw him dominate the Sun Belt and earn multiple accolades.
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.
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 Texas players — Cooper Webb, Trey Rangel and Phinn Beaird — removed their names from the draft after being selected on the first day, while top recruit Grady Emerson fell to the Tampa Bay Rays, illustrating the growing tension between signing bonuses and collegiate commitments.
The 2026 season concluded with a loss to USC, prompting the firing of pitching coach Jason Kelley. Top hitters Chris Hacopian, Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac were drafted, with Hacopian heading 11th overall to the Washington Nationals. Shane Sdao also earned a Mets selection. All four are expected to sign, while the program adds seven transfer‑portal pitchers for next year.
The Aggies’ 2026 draft prospect Chris Hacopian went 11th overall to the Washington Nationals, capping a run that began with Braden Montgomery in 2024 and Jace LaViolette a year earlier.
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 opening round of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered surprise moves, injury‑related drops and a handful of Texas‑bound prospects who could reshape the next wave of talent.
TCU standout Chase Brunson was selected 42nd overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a three‑year college career that featured All‑Big 12 honors and impressive offensive numbers.
Chase Brunson’s consistent performance at Texas Christian University culminated in a 42nd‑overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, highlighting a career marked by All‑Big 12 honors and impressive offensive stats.
The 2026 MLB Draft sees Luke Williams, a versatile shortstop and outfielder, sign with the Nationals after being selected in the third round. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt bolsters its offense with returning stars and a strong transfer class.
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.
The 2026 MLB draft saw Texas A&M’s Chris Hacopian selected 11th overall by the Washington Nationals, a move that could reshape the team’s infield and add depth to a roster already featuring stars like James Wood and CJ Abrams.
Chris Hacopian, a college standout from Texas A&M, was selected by the Washington Nationals, bringing a rare blend of contact hitting, plate discipline and DMV ties to the club’s rebuilding roster.
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.
Since 2000 the University of Oklahoma has produced over 150 draft picks, including eight first‑rounders, and continues to send players to the majors at an unprecedented rate.
Texas A&M’s standout hitter Chris Hacopian was drafted by the Washington Nationals with the 11th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a collegiate career marked by elite on‑base skills and a knack for drawing walks.