The draft kicks off today. Who will the Angels take? Discuss all things draft here.
The top 10 picks will air on NBC then coverage moves to MLB.TV and MLB Network for the rest of the day.
2026 MLB Draft Day One Thread
323 Comments
Legend
1 month ago
The Halos need to offer their #1 pick slot value. There is absolutely no reason to attempt to nickel and dime the selection.
Super Member
1 month ago
Whatever he’s getting – it’s been agreed upon already.
Legend
1 month ago
This is great news to hear Grindlinger wants to sign.
Trusted Member
1 month ago
They need to offer him the minimum amount he’ll agree to… as with any contract negotiation. So they have the maximum available to sign other talent? Doesn’t seem like a particularly fraught issue. Ryan Prager aside, the org seems to have done well by their draftees.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
For Day Two, if I’m in the Angels draft room, I’m making calls to the agents of Blake Bowen, Cooper Sides, Gary Morse, and Anthony Murphy about their signability. All four are OC kids who were in the 2-4 round range on my boards, and potential targets.
I’m also checking in on Martin Shelar, Dominic Santarelli, and Genson Veras – all three were big prep power standouts at the MLB Combine.
If they don’t have the bonus savings to lure in one or two of the above, I’d have my board set up as follows (they pick sixth) in the hopes of grabbing one of the remaining college guys:
Tre Phelps
Daniel Cuvet
Grant Govel
Nu’u Contrades
Kollin Ritchie
Will Gasparino
Deiten Lachance
Camden Johnson
Jaxon Willits
I had all of the above in my notes as 4-6 round targets. Contrades in particular fits the hit-first nature of this McIlvaine draft class.
Last edited 1 month ago by Turk's Teeth
Super Member
1 month ago
There are some big high school arms still out there that have big upsides- would love to see Sims or Koeninger as we have some connection there. Tennessee has quite a few hard throwers committed that likely won’t get there. Crazy to how much velo is out there the next few years. The big question is almost always with these big arms “can they pitch?”
All of them likely getting over slot – some maybe will get as much as $2 million. We may some reaches (under slot deals) in the next few rounds to free up some cash for teams. College seniors are almost always under. I remember Jackson Glenn out of DBU only getting $12,500 in the 5th round a few years back and he was one of the best hitters in the country that year. That’s what happens with no leverage. MLB teams don’t like these older guys.
The way the whole system works is why it’s hard to really rank draft picks – because these collusion deals are often done in later rounds after cash is freed up. Some of these kids know exactly where they are going before the draft starts. They put out signals to the other teams they are going to college – because they agreed to a deal with a team.
I sure liked watching Willits.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
I just get the sense that, with probably a touch under $3M to sign rounds 5-20, there’s just not much there to sign prep arms or bat overslot. I read that Grindlinger thought he had a big verbal offer from a team selecting after the Angels yesterday, so I doubt he’s eager to see his bonus reduced.
Perry spent the motherlode on prep arms last draft, but they don’t have nearly as much to spend this year. Next year will likely be better, and that’s a stronger draft class.
Super Member
1 month ago
This idea is more hope than expectation. And I get we’re not likely a team with the cash to pull some of these off. At least not the guys that are likely getting close to $2 million. Since this is being run by the scouts – perhaps they are just following their rankings and trying to find players they are high on rather than shape a team. Not that you won’t feel out that a deal can be made – but we’d definitely need to take some flyers to make the money work. Scouts more likely want their highest rated guys and are less likely to be into the shenanigans GM’s play here. Normally about 50% of round one is under slot. As I shared a few months ago – I heard Ebel was being considered in the first and everyone had him way down on the boards they follow. What is not known is if he expressed early he’d be willing to take a deal knowing where he was projected. There were clearly some under slot moves to free up cash for teams that made some scratch their heads yesterday. But when the draft unfolds – a lot of those moves start to make more sense.
Legend
1 month ago
Lachance just dmfor the Stand by Me memes
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
The Angels could use him – strong receiver with some pop.
Legend
1 month ago
Nu’u is definitely my guy today. The guy is just a baller.
Besides that, I’d like to see more preps drafted, namely the ones mentioned here.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
I was thinking of you all along with that pick, Rex!
He’s my Zion/Bell pick for day two – a fun one that will probably go in the first five selections and break my heart!
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
St Louis pulled off the biggest haul on Day One. Like Baltimore last year, they were larded with extra picks, and they didn’t waste them.
High ceiling preps Trevor Condon and Rocco Maniscalco. One of the best starters in the draft in Tegan Kuhns. One of my favorite guys in the draft period in Dee Kennedy (I so wish the Angels would have grabbed him over Lujo). An explosive OF bat in Andrew Williamson.
I covet this draft.
Super Member
1 month ago
I’m going to project $4.8 million on Grindlinger – basically pick 17 money. If I’m the Angels – I’d play it like this and see – “We love you. We’re excited for your future. But we’re really looking to only spend $4.8 million here – would you like to become an Angel?” A kid – not knowing where he’s going to go might jump on that to play for his local team.
Author
Legend
1 month ago
Per the zoom his side and the Angels have already discussed signabilty and he fully intends to turn pro.
Slot value is $5.9 million and his brother plays at Tennessee.
Not sure if the Angels will save much on him.
Last edited 1 month ago by Jeff Joiner
Super Member
1 month ago
You may well be right, but I’m making a prediction. It will depend on the discussions of the teams around the Angels and his desire to play in Anaheim. If you are him – you see Lombard and Rojas sitting there – you could be nervous you were going to slide. He could have told them – he wants $5 ahead of time. $4.8 gets him in the ballpark. A lot goes into this and it’s dynamic. I’m totally speculating – but of course – he could be getting full slot. The ability to negotiate ahead of time makes this whole thing intriguing. With Rojas and Lombard sitting there – it definitely added a twist.
Last edited 1 month ago by HalosFanForLife
Legend
1 month ago
I agree. The Angels need to “hit” on their top picks. The kid is not a college senior with no options. I just don’t see the purpose in “getting cute” with this pick.
Super Member
1 month ago
Turk – is there anyone left that you were fairly high on or is it mostly risky lottery ticket type players left?
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
There are plenty of upside high school bats left if you can find seven figures to sign them away from school: Blake Bowen, Dominic Santarelli, Martin Shelar, Anthony Murphy, Genson Veras, Malachi Washington, Noah Wilson.
There are still some college guys on the board who are exciting: Tre Phelps, Daniel Cuvet, Kollin Ritchie. I had all three as 4-5 round targets.
Deiten Lachance, Jaxon Willits, Henry Ford and Camden Johnson all feel useful.
Nu’u Contrades is a fun deep cut.
Three pitchers I had in the 4-6 range: Eric Nachtsheim, Cal Randall, Grant Govel.
Last edited 1 month ago by Turk's Teeth
Legend
1 month ago
I was gonna say, if they want to draft a whole lot of college seniors later in the draft take Bowen and pay him. I’d be fine with that. Then college relievers from there after…. probably. Or 1B with a bad glove and plenty of K.
Realistically, I’d be happy to get “stuck” with….
Daniel Cuvet (3B)
Kollin Richie (OF)
Henry Ford (OF)
Will Gasparino (OF)
I hope we take one of these four with our next pick.
Roman Martin (utl)
Jaxon Willits (Inf)
Cal Randall (P) yup
There’s that pile of Tre Phillips, Cuvet, Cam Johnson and Eric Guevera that are sort of pick your poison 3B maybe guys. It would be nice to land one of these.
I know Trey Beard and Tyler Johnston are still out there to be likely LHRP but teams need those.
Flyers: Dalton Wentz has shown real power at Wake but will either be a lumpy 3B or a slow OF. If you take Dylan Vigue out of Georgia and teach him control he’s a leverage reliever. Jake McCoy out S Carolina is a project with two 60 grade pitches who could even become a starter with luck. Want a slightly better Teodosio with better contact/BB skills? Lucas Moore out of Louisville.
Is RHP Nathan Aceves still available? He’s a Gaucho I thought was pretty good.
Slim pickins seniors I’d like to try…. Maddox Malony from Oregon, Sherman Johnson from NC State has muscles, Cal Poly 3B Alejandro Garza. These guys are mostly just cause they may suddenly become useful and are from programs I think are OK.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
The A’s actually drafted Roman Martin in the fourth round.
They had yet another good day one – grabbing Burress and Martin, plus three college starters they desperately need, with a steal in Mason Edwards at 47 (much like their steal of Devin Taylor at 48 last year.
Legend
1 month ago
Soooo…your saying we can’t draft Martin. Agree to disagree.
I’m probably thinking of some other guy…..actually it might just be Willits
Legend
1 month ago
Joe Tiroly maybe? ACC guy?
Super Member
1 month ago
RD 4, PK 109 – Rylan Lujo, OF
MLB Prospect Ranking – #189
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Lujo was a great performer in the playoffs, and I had him as a personal favorite around the sixth round. But after the top 100 picks, you really just start grabbing guys you like beyond the consensus ranking.
Like Advincula, this is a hit first bat who doesn’t strike out but doesn’t project for much power.
Last edited 1 month ago by Turk's Teeth
Super Member
1 month ago
Feels much different than a Perry draft
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
All bats, no relievers! But still feels more balanced between offensive types.
The regional emphasis and focus on power conference performers feels more McIlvaine.
Super Member
1 month ago
Can’t be a coincidence that this draft has been completely different.
Super Member
1 month ago
Maybe we can trade Soriano or Detmers to the A’s for hitters in their system.
Legend
1 month ago
Rangers took the giant pitcher Brody Bumila
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Rangers basically pulled off my Prep Moonshots draft – tons of upside, tons of risk. An exciting group for a rebuilding team.
Legend
1 month ago
3rd round pick
Gavin Grahovac, 3rd baseman Texas Tech
Seems good
Legend
1 month ago
He can hit!
Super Member
1 month ago
@TurksAI please analyze
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Good value for where he was selected. Was thought to be a comp round or second round pick. Corner infielder with plus power, some hit tool concerns. Ace Reese light.
Basically the opposite of Advincula and Lujo picks.
Super Member
1 month ago
RD 3, PK 81 – Gavin Grahovac 3B
MLB Prospect Ranking – #38
Legend
1 month ago
Local Villa Park kid. I used to see him hitting at A2D Sports when my kid was training there.
Trusted Member
1 month ago
All-hitter draft?
Legend
1 month ago
Wanna feel old? Sean Rodriguez’s nephew got drafted
Last edited 1 month ago by Pineapple12
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Oof.
Super Member
1 month ago
Another one of the guys I thought would be an angel for 10+ years
Legend
1 month ago
Count me in for more contact hitters! Chicks may dig the long ball but I’m tired of the strikeouts that come with em
Legend
1 month ago
Inquiring minds want to know: is Schanuel a contact hitter? 🤔
Legend
1 month ago
100% imo
Super Member
1 month ago
I feel a World Series win for the Halos now, specifically because of this draft. Yes, I am buzzed.
Author
Legend
1 month ago
Liam Peterson going to Cleveland seems like a pick that will work out well for both sides.
Trusted Member
1 month ago
You familiar with Blake Bowen, TT? 70-grade power. Would be a nice bookend to Avuncular.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Read my piece from yesterday – he was my top 2nd round prep bat. Been fixated on him for a while. 🙂
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Still on the board!
Trusted Member
1 month ago
But we’re getting into the $1 million slot range. I wonder if they can afford him. Might mean they draft a 4YR SR or something with 4th round.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
I think if he’s still on the board, the bonus demands might be too high, and he’s going to school. This is what happened to my Jacob Wilson target last year.
But maybe they can pull off an 11th or 12th round overslot deal?
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Grahovac might demand more than his slot bonus, also, given that he was ranked in the Top 40. Hard to see where the Halos might amass slot money, unless Grindlinger signs for around $4.5 million and they start drafting seniors.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
College juniors don’t really have the leverage of calling their shots like that. He’d be a senior sign and an old 22 next year, and he already dropped due to hit tool concerns. I think he’ll sign at slot, could even sign a touch lower.
Trusted Member
1 month ago
How quickly we forget Ryan Prager…
But I hope you’re right!
Author
Legend
1 month ago
So Mcllvaine spent a good part of the zoom chat talking about contact skills then picks the best contact hitter on the board in the second round.
Let’s see if this is a trend.
One good thing is they went for a regular player not a reliever in the second round. Huge change.
Super Member
1 month ago
The stink of Perry has left the facility.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
A’s once again get the BPA, in my opinion. Edwards was a first round talent, and the type of pitcher they badly needed.
Burress + Edwards – great two first picks.
Legend
1 month ago
Funny, season is still early but thought the A’s might win the division. Or, they continue to slide and get a high 2027 draft pick.
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
They’ve been riddled with injuries – can’t seem to get the whole squad on the field. And they badly need pitching.
Super Member
1 month ago
what channel is it on now?
