10 University MLB Draft Prospects Who Were Underrated in 2023: A Closer Look at Their Potential and Career Trajectories

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Next-Generation Stars: Scouting the Top College baseball Draft Prospects of 2026

As the 2025 baseball season winds down, scouts are already turning their attention too the next wave of talent set to enter the professional ranks in the 2026 draft. Several collegiate athletes are generating importent buzz, and this report provides an in-depth look at some of the most promising prospects, based on recent evaluations. This preliminary assessment, crucial for teams planning their future rosters, focuses on players demonstrating both immediate impact and long-term potential.

Pitching Standouts

Among the pitchers attracting considerable attention is Carson Bailey, a Left-Handed Pitcher from Bailer University. Originally slated for the 2027 draft, Bailey accelerated his eligibility by transferring to Texas’ Kang Ho Mcenan College. He has demonstrated considerable promise in his collegiate career, despite posting a 4.89 ERA with 21 walks over 53.1 innings this spring.

Another arm to watch is Max Bales, a Right-Handed Pitcher from Santa Clara. Bales excelled as a freshman in 2024, delivering 50 strikeouts across 42.1 innings with a 3.40 ERA. This spring, he secured a spot in the weekend rotation, racking up 105 strikeouts in 66.2 innings, and earned a selection to the US national team.

Ryan Ossinsky,a Right-Handed Pitcher from Brown University,experienced a breakout performance this summer in the Cape Cod League,showcasing excellent skills after a limited role in the spring. His repertoire features a fastball reaching up to 95 mph and a highly effective changeup.

Infield Power and Potential

Lee Ellis, a Shortstop at Ohio State University, has quickly emerged as a compelling offensive threat. after transferring from South Carolina in 2024,he hit .296/.408/.514 last season, displaying extraordinary bat speed and power.

Ryan Kuchelac, a Shortstop from Northwestern University, is another infielder generating excitement. He has shown a knack for hitting for power, recording 18 home runs last season, a new program record.

Outfield and Versatility

Logan Hughes,an Outfielder from Texas Tech,has impressed with his all-around game. A transfer from Stetson, Hughes’s impressive 2024 and Cape Cod League performances displayed a potent combination of hitting for average, power, and speed, finishing with a .327/.411/.697 batting average and 19 home runs.

Camden Johnson, a Third Baseman from Oklahoma, also stands out, bringing a versatile skillset and a dynamic presence to the game.His performance in the Cape Cod League earned him attention before transferring to Oklahoma.

Two-Way Threat and Rising stars

Jonathan Mendez, a Second Baseman/Shortstop from UC Santa Barbara, has demonstrated an exceptional hitting ability. His performance in 2024 was impressive, posting a .314/.392/.559 batting average with 17 steals and 11 home runs.

Carson, a Right-Handed Pitcher from Nebraska, is a prospect who resurfaced effectively after missing the 2024 season due to injury. He showed significant potential during his time in the Cape Cod League.

Ryan McKay, a Second Baseman from Michigan State University, consistently demonstrates a high-contact approach at the plate, making him a promising prospect for professional baseball.

Player Name	Position	School	Key Stat (2024/2025)
Carson Bailey	LHP	Bailer University	4.89 ERA (53.1 IP)
Max Bales	RHP	Santa Clara	105 SO (66.2 IP)
Lee Ellis	SS	Ohio State University	.296 BA,.514 SLG
Logan Hughes	OF	Texas Tech	.327 BA, 19 HR

Did You Know? The Cape cod League plays a crucial role in showcasing top collegiate talent to MLB scouts, frequently enough serving as a proving ground for future stars.

Pro Tip: Pay close attention to players who demonstrate versatility-the ability to play multiple positions can significantly enhance their value to professional teams.

What qualities do you believe are most crucial for a triumphant college baseball prospect? How much weight should scouts place on summer league performance versus collegiate stats?

The Evolving Landscape of College Baseball Scouting

The process of scouting college baseball has evolved significantly with the advent of advanced analytics. Teams now rely heavily on data-driven insights, including exit velocity, launch angle, and spin rate, to evaluate a player’s potential.This shift is complemented by the increasing value placed on a player’s athletic profile-their speed,agility,and overall athleticism.

However, traditional scouting methods, such as evaluating a player’s makeup, work ethic, and baseball IQ, remain essential. The ability to perform under pressure, adapt to different situations, and contribute positively to team dynamics are all critical factors that cannot be easily quantified.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the importance of the 2026 MLB draft? The 2026 draft is viewed as particularly strong,with a deep pool of talented collegiate players.
• How important is a player’s Cape Cod League performance? The Cape Cod League provides a high level of competition and is a key showcase for scouts evaluating potential draft picks.
• What positions are currently considered the most valuable in the draft? Shortstop and pitching are consistently the most highly valued positions.
• How does transferring colleges affect a player’s draft stock? A successful transfer can significantly boost a player’s visibility and performance, potentially improving their draft position.
• What role do analytics play in modern baseball scouting? Analytics provide valuable data points that help scouts assess a player’s potential, alongside traditional scouting methods.
• Are player projections accurate? Player projections are inherently uncertain, but they provide a valuable framework for evaluating potential future performance.
• what is the typical timeline for a college player entering the draft? Most players are eligible for the draft after completing three years of college coursework.

Share your thoughts on these rising stars in the comments below,and let us know which players you’re most excited to watch!

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What specific skills or attributes of Rhett Lowder were potentially undervalued by scouts, leading to his later draft position?

10 University MLB Draft Prospects Who Were Underrated in 2023: A Closer Look at Thier Potential and Career Trajectories

The 2023 MLB Draft was brimming with talent, but as always, some prospects slipped through the cracks, underestimated by scouts and analysts. Identifying thes underrated MLB prospects can be crucial for teams looking for value beyond the top-ranked players. This article dives into ten university players from the 2023 draft class who, in hindsight, were significantly undervalued, examining their potential and projected career paths. We'll focus on their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them potential steals for their drafting teams. Key terms include MLB draft analysis, college baseball prospects, and scouting reports.

1. Rhett Lowder (RHP, wake Forest - Drafted by Milwaukee Brewers, Round 7)

Lowder wasn't a flashy name, but his consistent performance at Wake Forest should have garnered more attention. He boasts exceptional control and a plus changeup, making him a potential back-end rotation piece.

* Strengths: Command, deception, advanced feel for pitching.

* Weaknesses: Velocity (sits in the low 90s), limited power stuff.

* Trajectory: A floor of a reliable bullpen arm, with the potential to develop into a solid #4 starter. His pitching mechanics are clean and repeatable, suggesting continued improvement.

2. Hunter Haas (C,Wright State - Drafted by San Diego Padres,Round 9)

Catchers with HaasS offensive upside are rare in the later rounds. He displayed notable power and a strong arm during his time at Wright State. While defensive polish was a concern, his bat makes him a high-reward prospect. MLB catcher prospects are always in demand.

* Strengths: Plus power, strong throwing arm, offensive potential.

* Weaknesses: Receiving skills, blocking, framing.

* Trajectory: Could become an everyday catcher if defensive improvements are made, or else a valuable offensive contributor at another position.

3.Cole Phillips (RHP, LSU - Drafted by Atlanta Braves, Round 11)

Phillips's draft stock took a hit due to injury concerns, but his stuff is undeniable. When healthy,he features a fastball that touches 96 mph and a devastating slider. The Braves, known for their pitching development, may have found a gem. MLB injury risk assessment played a role in his draft position.

* Strengths: High-velocity fastball,plus slider,competitive fire.

* Weaknesses: Injury history, command can be inconsistent.

* Trajectory: High-ceiling reliever if he can stay healthy, with a chance to start if command improves.

4. Bryce Eldridge (1B, Vanderbilt - Drafted by Kansas City Royals, round 18)

Eldridge was a power bat at vanderbilt, but his defensive limitations pushed him down draft boards. The Royals, however, saw a potential middle-of-the-order threat. Power hitting first basemen are always valuable, even with defensive shortcomings.

* Strengths: Raw power, plate discipline, potential for 30+ home runs.

* Weaknesses: Limited defensive range, slow runner.

* Trajectory: First base is his likely long-term home. Success hinges on hitting for average and maximizing his power.

5. Grant Smith (LHP,Florida State - Drafted by texas Rangers,Round 12)

A durable left-handed pitcher with a good feel for the strike zone,Smith was consistently overlooked. The Rangers value pitchers who can eat innings, and Smith fits that mold perfectly. Left-handed relief pitching is a premium commodity.

* Strengths: Durability,command,ability to throw strikes.

* Weaknesses: Lacks elite velocity or a dominant secondary pitch.

* Trajectory: Reliable bullpen arm with the potential to become a long reliever.

6. Cade Doughty (2B/SS, LSU - Drafted by Toronto Blue jays, Round 2)

While drafted in the second round, many analysts projected Doughty to go much higher.His offensive versatility and solid defense make him a valuable asset. MLB second base prospects with his skillset are highly sought after.

* Strengths: Offensive versatility, solid defense, good baseball IQ.

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