Analysts Flag 10 Biggest 2026 MLB Draft Steals After 613 Picks

3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 15

Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo picked one value selection from each of the first 10 rounds after the 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up at 613 total picks across 20 rounds plus compensation slots.
Round 1 left-hander Gio Rojas to Texas at No. 16 and compensation-round lefty Hunter Dietz to the Yankees at No. 35 topped the list, with analysts saying both fell well below their talent level.
Later-round standouts included Angels third baseman Gavin Grahovac at No. 81 after an injury-marred stretch, Blue Jays catcher Will Brick at No. 131, and Phillies outfielder Will Gasparino at No. 161.
The deepest-round upside plays were Guardians right-hander Savion Sims at No. 213—already touching 100 mph—Red Sox slugger Martin Shelar at No. 274, and Cardinals reliever Nick Bonn at No. 294.
The post-draft review shifts attention from mock projections to which clubs may have extracted the most surplus value from a class now headed into signing and bonus negotiations.