10 Top MLB Draft Prospects to Watch in 2026 College Season

From a top shortstop to power-hitting outfielders, these college stars are primed for big years ahead of the MLB Draft.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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As the 2026 college baseball season approaches, here's a look at 10 top prospects to keep an eye on, including a standout left-handed pitcher, a dominant right-handed hurler, a power-hitting outfielder, and more. These players are expected to be among the top selections in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Why it matters

The 2026 MLB Draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in years, with several elite-level college talents expected to be first-round picks. These 10 players represent some of the top draft-eligible prospects who could make a major impact for their teams this spring and boost their stock even further ahead of the draft.

The details

The list includes Florida State left-hander Braden Beard, who transferred in-state from FAU and posted a 3.14 ERA with 118 strikeouts last season. Coastal Carolina right-hander Flukey, the No. 3 overall 2026 draft prospect, averaged 95 mph on his fastball in 2025. Georgia Tech's Lackey hit .347 as a sophomore, while UCLA's Levu drove in a team-high 85 runs. Other standouts include LSU slugger Reese, the No. 11 draft prospect who hit 21 homers last year, and Virginia shortstop Cholowsky, labeled the "best college shortstop prospect in years."

  • The 2026 college baseball season begins on February 13.
  • The 2026 College World Series is set for June.

The players

Braden Beard

A left-handed pitcher who transferred from Florida Atlantic to Florida State, Beard went 6-1 with a 3.14 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 86 innings last season.

Flukey

The No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft, this Coastal Carolina right-hander averaged 95 mph on his fastball in 2025 and struck out 118 batters in 101.2 innings.

Lackey

The Georgia Tech outfielder hit .347/.421/.500 in 266 plate appearances as a sophomore, helping the Yellow Jackets win the ACC regular-season title.

Levu

The UCLA outfielder started all 66 games for the Bruins in 2025, hitting .320 with 29 extra-base hits and a team-high 85 RBIs.

Reese

The LSU slugger blasted 21 home runs and had 40 extra-base hits overall while slashing .352/.422/.718 in his first season in the SEC.

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What’s next

The 2026 college baseball season begins on February 13, with the College World Series set for June.

The takeaway

This group of 10 top MLB draft prospects represents the depth and talent of the 2026 class, with several players who could hear their names called early in the draft and make an immediate impact at the professional level.