The 2026 MLB Draft has come and gone, leaving fans and analysts alike with a wealth of prospects to analyze and debate. While the focus has shifted from prediction to analysis, there are still plenty of gems to uncover and value to be found in the first 10 rounds. In this article, I'll take a deep dive into the biggest steals of the 2026 Draft, highlighting the top picks from each of the first 10 rounds and providing my own expert commentary and analysis. From high school pitching prospects to college powerhouses, these players are sure to make an impact in the years to come. So, let's get started!
The Top Steals of the 2026 Draft
Round 1: Gio Rojas, LHP, Rangers
One of the most intriguing picks of the 2026 Draft was the Rangers' selection of Gio Rojas at No. 16 overall. As Jim Callis notes, the Rangers were not expected to land Rojas, and their lack of high school pitching picks in the first round made this selection even more surprising. But what makes Rojas so special? Well, in my opinion, it's his combination of size, athleticism, and raw pitching talent. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Rojas has the physical tools to develop into a dominant left-handed pitcher. And with a fastball that can touch 95 mph, he already has the velocity to strike out batters. What makes this pick particularly fascinating is the potential for growth. Rojas is still just a high school senior, and with proper development, he could become a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Rangers in the coming years.
Compensation Round: Hunter Dietz, LHP, Yankees
The Yankees' selection of Hunter Dietz in the compensation round is another pick that raises eyebrows. As Callis points out, Dietz had a rough start to his college career due to a stress fracture in his elbow and a head injury. But what makes this pick so intriguing is the potential for a big rebound. Dietz has been described as the best college left-hander in the 2026 Draft, and with the Yankees' commitment to developing pitching prospects, he could become a key piece of their rotation in the future. What many people don't realize is that Dietz's struggles were largely due to injuries, and with proper rehabilitation and development, he could become a dominant left-handed starter.
Round 2: Rocco Maniscalco, SS, Cardinals
The Cardinals' selection of Rocco Maniscalco at No. 50 overall is a pick that could pay dividends for years to come. As Jonathan Mayo notes, Maniscalco is a super young player who has been reclassified and is already a very good defender. With a strong arm and quick actions, he has the potential to be a long-time shortstop for the Cardinals. What makes this pick particularly interesting is the potential for a quick impact. Maniscalco was very impressive at the Draft Combine, and with his defensive skills and bat speed, he could be ready to contribute to the Cardinals' lineup sooner rather than later.
Round 3: Gavin Grahovac, 3B, Angels
The Angels' selection of Gavin Grahovac at No. 81 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Callis points out, Grahovac was a key member of A&M's College World Series team in 2024 and has the raw power to become a dominant third baseman. With 23 home runs as a freshman and 22 home runs as a sophomore, Grahovac has the potential to become a power-hitting mainstay in the Angels' lineup. What makes this pick particularly intriguing is the potential for a quick impact. Grahovac's bat speed and raw power could make him a key contributor to the Angels' offense sooner rather than later.
Round 4: Will Brick, C, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays' selection of Will Brick at No. 131 overall is a pick that could help offset their lack of a second-round pick. As Mayo notes, Brick is the best high school catcher in the class and has the power and defensive skills to become a key piece of the Blue Jays' lineup. With a strong arm and quick actions, he has the potential to become a long-time catcher for the team. What makes this pick particularly interesting is the potential for a quick impact. Brick's power and defensive skills could make him a key contributor to the Blue Jays' offense sooner rather than later.
Round 5: Will Gasparino, OF, Phillies
The Phillies' selection of Will Gasparino at No. 161 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Callis points out, Gasparino is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound outfielder with a combination of raw power and athleticism. With a strong bat and the ability to make contact, he has the potential to become an All-Star-type player. What makes this pick particularly intriguing is the potential for a quick impact. Gasparino's combination of size, athleticism, and raw power could make him a key contributor to the Phillies' offense sooner rather than later.
Round 6: Kyle Johnson, LHP, Rays
The Rays' selection of Kyle Johnson at No. 174 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Mayo notes, Johnson struggled performance-wise at Virginia but has the potential to become a dominant left-handed pitcher. With a strong arm and the ability to make contact, he has the potential to become a key piece of the Rays' rotation. What makes this pick particularly interesting is the potential for a quick impact. Johnson's combination of athleticism and raw pitching talent could make him a key contributor to the Rays' bullpen or rotation sooner rather than later.
Round 7: Savion Sims, RHP, Guardians
The Guardians' selection of Savion Sims at No. 213 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Callis points out, Sims is a 6-foot-8, 215-pound pitcher with a fastball that can touch 100 mph. With the potential to become a dominant right-handed starter, Sims has the physical tools to become a key piece of the Guardians' rotation. What makes this pick particularly intriguing is the potential for a quick impact. Sims' combination of size, athleticism, and raw pitching talent could make him a key contributor to the Guardians' bullpen or rotation sooner rather than later.
Round 8: Will Plunkett, SS, Orioles
The Orioles' selection of Will Plunkett at No. 230 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Mayo notes, Plunkett is a 6-foot-3 right-handed hitter with the potential to become a key piece of the Orioles' lineup. With a strong bat and the ability to make contact, he has the potential to become a power-hitting mainstay in the Orioles' lineup. What makes this pick particularly interesting is the potential for a quick impact. Plunkett's combination of size, athleticism, and raw power could make him a key contributor to the Orioles' offense sooner rather than later.
Round 9: Martin Shelar, OF, Red Sox
The Red Sox's selection of Martin Shelar at No. 274 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Callis points out, Shelar is a high school outfielder with some of the best raw power in the Draft. With a strong bat and the ability to make contact, he has the potential to become a key contributor to the Red Sox's offense. What makes this pick particularly intriguing is the potential for a quick impact. Shelar's combination of size, athleticism, and raw power could make him a key contributor to the Red Sox's lineup sooner rather than later.
Round 10: Nick Bonn, RHP, Cardinals
The Cardinals' selection of Nick Bonn at No. 294 overall is a pick that could pay off in the long run. As Mayo notes, Bonn is a relief arm with a strong fastball and the potential to become a key piece of the Cardinals' bullpen. With a good splitter and sweeper, he has the potential to become a dominant reliever for the team. What makes this pick particularly interesting is the potential for a quick impact. Bonn's combination of velocity and pitch variety could make him a key contributor to the Cardinals' bullpen sooner rather than later.
Deeper Analysis
The 2026 MLB Draft has revealed some intriguing picks and potential steals, but it also raises some questions and concerns. For example, the lack of high school pitching picks in the first round could be a cause for concern, as it suggests that the top high school pitching prospects may have been overlooked. Additionally, the number of college players selected in the first 10 rounds could be a sign that the Draft is becoming more focused on college players, which could impact the development of high school players in the future. But overall, the Draft has revealed some exciting prospects and potential steals, and with proper development and coaching, these players could become key contributors to their respective teams in the years to come.
Conclusion
The 2026 MLB Draft has come and gone, but the conversation about the biggest steals and potential value has only just begun. From high school pitching prospects to college powerhouses, these players have the potential to become key contributors to their respective teams in the years to come. As an expert commentator, I've analyzed and interpreted the top picks from each of the first 10 rounds, highlighting the potential for quick impact and long-term value. But the Draft is just the beginning, and with proper development and coaching, these players could become the next big stars in Major League Baseball.
